Adult Basic Education and Literacy Resources

Here are ways to find out about Adult Basic Education, Literacy and English As a Second Language (ESL) programs. These resources can help people to learn to read and write, pass a GED exam, learn basic math skills or improve their skills in all areas.

Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline – The Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline provides referrals to programs that offer one-on-one tutoring, small-group or classroom instruction to adult learners. The Hotline connects adult learners and volunteer literacy tutors with programs and General Educational Development testing sites across the state. Call them at 800-447-8844 for help.

To find a new job or get a better job, it may be necessary to improve English language skills, or gain basic math and reading and writing skills. Adults who want to improve basic math and language skills should look at no-cost Adult Basic Education programs.

Family literacy helps parents improve their literacy skills and the literacy skills of their children.

Boston Adult Literacy Initiative
The Boston Adult Literacy Initiative (ALI) consists of Boston adult education providers that receive funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or the City of Boston to provide adult education services. ALI member organizations work closely with other adult educators and community-based organizations through neighborhood coalitions to provide a comprehensive system of adult education services for the city of Boston.

English At Large
English At Large provides free English (ESOL/ESL) and basic literacy instruction to adults throughout 20 Boston-area communities. Due to a high number of applicants, English At Large is currently unable to accept new participants into our 1-1 tutoring program. We hope to open registration again in September 2016 and apologize for any inconvenience. They also offer conversation groups for those English speakers at the intermediate level.

Read/Write/Now Adult Literacy – Springfield
The purpose of Read/Write/Now is to help adults living in the greater Springfield area to achieve their basic education goals as family members, workers and community members. We provide an adult basic education program at no cost to participants. Our program promotes self-directed learning by recognizing and valuing the strengths and knowledge that adults bring to learning. Springfield Adult Basic Education Directory (pdf)